BetterUp: what is the coaching and mental health company where Prince Harry will be working and what does it do?

Prince Harry recently announced he will be the new chief impact officer at coaching and mental health company BetterUp, based in California.

His role will include providing input into product strategy decisions and charitable contributions, and he will also be speaking openly about mental health topics.

But what is BetterUp, when was it founded and what does the company do?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is BetterUp?

Founded in 2013, BetterUp is a company which provides mobile-based professional coaching, counselling and mentorship which is “designed to transform lives and careers.”

The company says coaching is at the “core” of the BetterUp experience, and offers one-to-one coaching, employee coaching and coaching for organisations and businesses.

The firm’s website explained that BetterUp is “backed by science and technology, but our approach is fundamentally human.”

BetterUp uses a combination of technology and science to develop the coaching experiences it provides, with its main aims including “empowering people to learn new skills, conquer their goals, ignite fresh passions, and become the best version of themselves.”

The company also used artificial intelligence (AI) technology and behavioral science experts, with the firm’s core values including courage, craftspersonship, playfulness, grit, empathy and zest.

The team at BetterUp currently includes behavioral scientists, talent management strategists, and consumer product experts who all “share a passion for helping people become the best version of themselves.”

They create personalized experiences for BetterUp members, and use a combination of interactive content, analytics, and real-time data to track progress of their clients and provide insights for both individuals and organisations.

What will Prince Harry’s role be at BetterUp?

In a statement published on 23 March, Prince Harry said he was excited to be taking up the role as BetterUp’s first chief impact officer, and that he plans to "lift up critical dialogues around mental health, build supportive and compassionate communities and foster an environment for honest and vulnerable conversations".

Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, announced they were stepping back from royal duties in January 2020 and now live in California.

Buckingham Palace announced in February 2021 that the couple will not be returning as working members of the family and that they would lose their patronages.

As part of Prince Harry’s new role, he said he would be focusing on driving advocacy and awareness for mental fitness, alongside guiding the firm's social mission and expanding its global community.

The Duke of Sussex said: "Self-optimisation is not about fixing something that's broken.

"It's about becoming the best version of ourselves, with whatever life throws at us - someone who is ready for the next challenge and can meet setbacks with courage, confidence and self-awareness.

"This is what BetterUp is making possible and I look forward to being on this journey with you."

Alexi Robichaux, CEO of BetterUp, said that the firm is “energised” by the duke’s “model of inspiration and impact through action.”

Mr Robichaux said that as a member of the BetterUp executive team, “Prince Harry will expand on the work he’s been doing for years, as he educates and inspires our community and champions the importance of focusing on preventative mental fitness and human potential worldwide.”